Awareness and Treatment of Alcohol Dependence in Japan: Results from Internet-Based Surveys in Persons, Family, Physicians and Society

Abstract — Aims: To understand current awareness of, and views on, treatment of alcohol dependence in Japan. Methods: (a) Nationwide internet-based survey of 520 individuals, consisting of 52 diagnosed alcohol-dependent (AD) persons, 154 potentially alcohol-dependent (ADP) persons, 104 family members and 106 friends/colleagues of AD persons, and 104 general individuals, derived from a consumer panel where the response rate was 64.3%. We enquired into awareness about the treatment of alcohol depend-ence and patient pathways through the healthcare network. (b) Nationwide internet-based survey of physicians (response rate 10.1% (2395/23,695) to ask 200 physicians about their management of alcohol use disorders). Results: We deduced that 10 % of alcohol-de-pendent Japanese persons had ever been diagnosed with alcohol dependence, with only 3 % ever treated. Regarding putative treatment goals, 20–25 % of the AD and ADP persons would prefer to attempt to abstain, while 60–75 % preferred ‘reduced drinking. ’ A half of the responding physicians considered abstinence as the primary treatment goal in alcohol dependence, while 76 % considered reduced drinking as an acceptable goal. Conclusion: AD and ADP persons in Japan have low ‘disease awareness ’ defined as ‘understanding of signs, symptoms and consequences of alcohol use disorders, ’ which is in line with the overseas situation. The Japanese drinking culture and stigma toward alcohol dependence may contribute to such low disease awareness and current challenging treatment environment